New music tech gear of the month: review round-up (July 2010)
A Mac and PC classic comes to the iPhone
Propellerhead Software ReBirth (£3.99)
Every month, MusicRadar’s industry-leading sister magazines - Guitarist, Computer Music, Total Guitar, Rhythm and Future Music - publish the best independent and in-depth music-making gear reviews.
We’ve collated the latest plug-ins, controllers, synths and mics to have fallen under the watchful eyes of Computer Music, Future Music and Rhythm’s test teams. All the gear on show here was originally reviewed in Computer Music issue 154, Future Music issue 229 and Rhythm issue 179, and published on MusicRadar throughout July.
Scroll on for this month’s top picks and click through to read each product’s full review. First up: Propellerhead Software’s ReBirth.
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Get past the fiddly interface and you'll fall in love with ReBirth all over again.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Propellerhead Software ReBirth
(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)
An overhauled plug-in from the pioneers of digital amp modelling
Line 6 Pod Farm 2 Platinum ($299)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Not quite the update it could have been, but Pod Farm 2 remains a strong contender in the amp sim arena.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Line 6 Pod Farm 2 Platinum
(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)
The much-loved groovebox comes to the iPad
Korg iElectribe (£5.99)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“iElectribe really does turn your iPad into a functional groovebox, and a hugely enjoyable one, too.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Korg iElectribe
(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)
The UA Precision range now boasts a bespoke bass enhancer
Universal Audio Precision Enhancer HZ ($199)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“A solid, straightforward bass enhancer with Universal Audio's usual attention to detail and slick sound quality.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Universal Audio Precision Enhancer HZ
(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)
A highly explosive '80s VCA dynamics unit in handy software form
Softube Valley People Dyna-mite (£215)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“It's not an all-purpose dynamics unit by any means, but Dyna-mite excels in those situations where you need crack and snap.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Softube Valley People Dyna-mite
(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)
BBE teams up with Nomad Factory to bring us an octet of guitar pedals
BBE Sound Stomp Ware (£110)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“As with real guitar pedals, BBE's bundle o' boxes is simple yet effective, with plenty of rude 'tude (dude).
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: BBE Sound Stomp Ware
(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)
A collaboration with Nomad Factory focusing on the 'black box' enhancers that made BBE's name
BBE Sound Sonic Sweet (£110)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“The L82 we can live without and the H82 is limited in scope. The D82 is a winner, though, with its time-proven processing.”
3 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: BBE Sound Sonic Sweet
(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)
A collision of multiband processing and flexible pitchshifting
MeldaProduction MMultiBandHarmonizer (€35)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Great for glitchy granular effects and generating additional harmonic content, though vocals aren't this plug-in's forte.”
3.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: MeldaProduction MMultiBandHarmonizer
(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)
More multiband madness in the form of a transient manipulation plug-in
MeldaProduction MMultiBandTransient (€40)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“MeldaProduction have made a potentially overwhelming effect relatively easy to wield, with some good results to be had.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: MeldaProduction MMultiBandTransient
(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)
Can this crafty plug-in exceed the sum of its parts?
Loomer Sequent (£58)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Inspiring, fun and with a fine sound, Sequent is a fine effort from Loomer.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Loomer Sequent
(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)
This world/ethnic ROMpler has grown to nearly three times its original size
MOTU Ethno Instrument 2 (£299)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“While the multisampled patches can be hit and miss, Ethno 2's splendid selection of loops is highly desirable.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: MOTU Ethno Instrument 2
(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)
Not the sexiest bit of music software, but does it make up for it in usefulness?
Iced Audio AudioFinder 5 ($69)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“It's not the sexiest bit of music software, but when it comes to getting a grip on your samples, nothing beats AudioFinder.”
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Iced Audio AudioFinder 5
(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)
Discover the secret behind incredibly tight vocal arrangements
Synchro Arts VocALign Project 3 (£234)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Do you want perfectly aligned vocals? Then get VocALign! It's that simple.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Synchro Arts VocALign Project 3
(Reviewed in Computer Music magazine issue 154)
All the sound power of the tiny Mopho but with some much needed interface improvements
Dave Smith Mopho Keyboard (£550)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Adding a keyboard and improving the interface takes the Mopho to the next level.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Dave Smith Mopho Keyboard
(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)
Korg's first venture into analogue synth territory for nearly three decades
Korg Monotron (£59)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Forget about its weaknesses. At such a low price it's impossible to resist its many charms.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Korg Monotron
(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)
Four deck action with this complete digital DJ solution
Allen & Heath Xone:DX (£999)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“A total quality system, easy to use with loads of power for the ultimate decks 'n' FX DJ set.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Allen & Heath Xone:DX
(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)
A must-have bit of kit with infinite overdubs and amp sims too
Korg Sound on Sound (£234)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“The Korg Sound on Sound is likely to become a must-have utility item for many musicians.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Korg Sound on Sound
(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)
Apogee and Apple bring their Mac-based guitar effects into the hardware world
Apogee GiO (£288)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Should definitely prove a popular choice for guitar- and Apple-based musicians and producers.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Apogee GiO
(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)
SPL's new flagship recording channel strip
SPL Frontliner Model 2800 (£1644)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“A flexible, hybrid, modular channel strip from SPL with a sound and tone to die for.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: SPL Frontliner Model 2800
(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)
Alesis's multi-mic recorder gives performance and price
Alesis Palmtrack (£119)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Its no-nonsense design makes it an ideal 'point and shoot' stereo recorder at a great price.”
4 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Alesis Palmtrack
(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)
Tired of the traditional drum kit? Try this far-out collection of synthetic sounds
Toontrack Electronic EZX (£49)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Control freaks may be better off elsewhere, but for a plug-and-play solution featuring some of the freshest, most inspiring electronic percussion around, Electronic EZX hits the mark.”
3 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Toontrack Electronic EZX
(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)
Entry level DJ gear with many pro features included
Pioneer CDJ-350 & DJM-350 (£1479)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“A fantastic, ready-to-go DJ setup that is future-proofed with USB and the RekordBox software.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Pioneer CDJ-350 & DJM-350
(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)
The new babies of Fostex's studio monitor range
Fostex PM0.4n (£140)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Packing more sonic weight than their size would suggest - good for those on a budget.”
3.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Fostex PM0.4n
(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)
A new valve mic that could be just what you need for your BVs
Avantone BV-1 Valve Mic (£1056)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“The BV-1 is a very stylish mic. It's not cheap, but the price is reasonable given what's included.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Avantone BV-1 Valve Mic
(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)
Get discordant with the pitch-shifter from hell
Audio Damage Discord 3 ($60)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“Another fantastic sound mangler from Audio Damage that won't hurt your wallet.”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Audio Damage Discord 3
(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)
The new mini addition to Focal's CMS range
Focal Professional CMS 40 Compact Monitors (£564)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“The CMS 40s performed beyond my expectations for their size. Put them at the top of your list!”
4.5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: Focal Professional CMS 40 Compact Monitors
(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)
Eight classic guitars in virtual form
VIR2 Electri6ity (£259)
MusicRadar’s verdict:
“A comprehensive and intelligent library that impressively meets all electric guitar needs.”
5 out of 5
FULL REVIEW: VIR2 Electri6ity
(Reviewed in Future Music magazine issue 229)
Liked this? Now read: In pictures: the best hi-tech gear of 2009
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I’m the Group Content Manager for MusicRadar, specialising in all things tech. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 20 of which I’ve also spent writing about music technology.
